Google and Johnson & Johnson to form new surgical company — 4 highlights

Verily Life Sciences, formerly Google Life Sciences, and Johnson & Johnson are teaming up to form an independent surgical solutions company.

Here are four highlights:

1. The new company, titled Verb Surgical, was formed in connection with the strategic collaboration between Ethicon, a Johnson & Johnson medical devices company, and Google Life Sciences.

2. Scott Huennekens has been appointed Verb Surgical's president and CEO.

3. In the coming year, Verb Surgical aims to develop a comprehensive surgical solutions platform that will incorporate leading-edge robotic capabilities and best-in-class medical device technology for operating room professionals. The goal of Verb Surgical is to develop these new technologies in partnership with surgeons and hospitals to enable better patient outcomes, improve access to minimally invasive surgery and achieve greater hospital efficiency.

4. Verb Surgical will be headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., and, under Mr. Huenneken's leadership, will be overseen by a board of directors with members from Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Verily and Google.